HAVANA - Fidel Castro, the ailing strongman who led Cuba for 47 years, is stepping down as president and commander in chief, it was reported Tuesday.

Castro, 81, who has been suffering from an undisclosed intestinal ailment, disclosed his resignation in a letter published in the state-run newspaper Granma, CNN reported. In that letter, he said he would not accept being elected to another term as president of the state council or commander in chief when the Parliament meets Sunday.